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Highbanks Metro Park: Showcasing the Olentangy River

Northwoods Apartments in Worthington Ohio are the perfect place for fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Our health-minded neighbors love our state-of-the-art workout center and resort-style swimming pool. Nature lovers admire the leafy green grounds and tree-lined streets of Worthington. But perhaps the most exciting part about living at Northwoods Apartments in Worthington is the fact that we’re nestled right against Highbanks Metro Park, where visitors can hike, explore Native American burial grounds, observe local wildlife, and much more.

A Hiker’s Paradise Through Beautiful Forests and Meadows

Highbanks Metropark is proud to have one of the largest trail systems in the local area, featuring eleven whole miles of hiking trails. These trails vary in difficultly, with some trails being ranked “easy” and others ranked moderate to difficult. The longest section of trail is the Coyote Run Trail, which is 3.5 miles and winds through forest and fields. This trail is pet-friendly, so you can bring your dogs with you. When conditions are suitable, this trail is reserved for cross-country skiing.

Other notable trails include the Dripping Rock Trail, which winds through forest and passes steep ravines. This trail is on gravel and is rated moderate to difficult.

Stand in awe at the beauty of the Olentangy River by taking a hike on the Overlook Trail. This 2.3 mile of trail travels through the state nature preserve and ends on an observation deck that is situated 100 feet above the Olentangy River.

There are various shorter trails for the casual walker or jogger as well. Take a simple loop on the Eagle View trail, a simple .3 mile run through gracious meadows. Or enjoy being around beautiful trees on the Sycamore trail, which “winds through a forest of sycamore, buckeye, and cottonwood alongside the river.” Hikers, dog-walkers, and joggers will want to come back day after day to take in the amazing views.

Get a Dose of Ohio History at the Adena Indian Burial Mound

Native American cultures used to inhabit the central Ohio area, and hints of their presence are still seen today. At Highbanks Metropark, most visitors aren’t aware of the Earthworks that pop up throughout the park. While these mounds look just like small hills or knolls, they were actually constructed by Native peoples. These mounds could have been built as a wall of sorts to protect the village, but they were most likely used as burial sites for loved ones. These Earthworks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so be sure to find them while you’re at the park.

So Many Outdoor Activities to Keep Kids Active and Healthy

Like many metro parks in the Columbus area, Highbanks Metro Park is a great place to bring kids of all ages. Take the family canoeing or kayaking down the Olentangy River or try your hand at fishing. A childhood favorite is the Natural Play Area, which, according to their website, is a “15-acre area with a forest and a path to the Olentangy River, where kids and caregivers can safely roam and enjoy unstructured play in nature by climbing trees, playing in the first, and other fun adventures.” In the snowy winter months, children love sledding down the hills at the Big Meadows Picnic area, and the whole family can go cross country skiing on the Coyote Run Trail when conditions are right.

Highbanks Metro Park also offers day camps over the summer months, so kids can stay active and engaged in a pristine, natural environment. The Dragonfly Day Camp is where kids can spend a week in the summer swimming in the creek, canoeing, roasting marshmallows, sleeping under the stars, and making lifelong friends. According to their website, The Dragonfly Day Camp is for “campers in grades K-6” and “offers more free time for exploration and camper-interest based activities.” They also offer before and after care that makes drop-off and pick-up easy on the parents!

A Perfect Place for a Picnic

Highbanks Metropark is the perfect place to bring the entire family for an Independence Day Celebration, a summer birthday, or a Graduation party. With two full, covered pavilions, your party can enjoy the grills, picnic tables, play areas, and restrooms available to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. The park also offers seven enclosed shelters and two open shelters, so there are plenty of picnic and party areas to go around!

What the Locals Think

Locals report that the trails are well maintained and that the visitor’s center is informative and comfortable. Hikers sing praises about the amazing hiking opportunities, and visitors absolutely love the beautiful views. One reviewer from Trip Advisor says, “The park has a good mix of paved, gravel, and grassy trails. One trail follows the river for a while.” This is good news for people with wheelchairs who are looking for a more accessible park to enjoy the scenery.

Another member of our Worthington community reports, “I’m lucky to live near a number of parks. Highbanks is a particular treasure with its long walking and jogging paths, picnic areas, and so much more. Today we went to enjoy some of the few sledding hills the city has to offer. There is even a shed with a food fire set up so you can warm up as needed. From birding to wild flowers and river views, this park is 1200 acres of sheer delight.”

Need we say more?

Live Near Beautiful Metro Parks At Our Worthington Apartments

Here at Northwoods Apartments in Worthington, Highbanks Metro Park is a gem in our local community. We are the perfect location for people who want to enjoy the convenience of city living beside the relaxing beauty of nature.

Last but not least, dog lovers rejoice! Highbanks metro park is extremely dog-friendly, allowing dogs on multiple trails. This is great news for dog lovers who live at Northwoods Apartments in Worthington! We are proud to be a pet-friendly community, so when you move in, be sure to bring your dog by the office so we can meet your fur baby!

Click here today to sign up for your free tour, to view our spacious floor plans, to read a full list of amenities, and to get a glimpse of what life is like at Northwoods Apartments in Worthington. We can’t wait to have you (and your furry friends) as our neighbor!